Final Arete - Volume 4, No 1 Fall Winter 2026

Αρετή (Arete) Journal of Excellence in Global Leadership | Vol. 4 No. 1 | 2026

Results

This research article and narrative analysis reveal that leadership within a faith-based organizational culture emerges through a core ideology that is deeply personal and spiritually guided through a journey that is shaped by cultural expectations and lived experiences that cannot simply be reduced to a one-size-fits all model. Pastor Rose Sparks’ story further highlights how leadership identi ty develops through moments of self-reflection, recognition of one ’ s calling, resistance, and relational engagement, reflecting both individual conviction and broader organizational expectations and influences. Her detailed narration of her experiences demonstrates that leadership is not defined soley by positional authority, but instead by consistent practices of service, resilience, and connection with others. These identified thematic patterns further highlight how female leadership within religious contexts continues to evolve, navigating both structural barriers while also creating new opportunities for influence within both local and global leadership environments. This article explores the narrative responses that address the central question of how leadership identity and core ideology develop together within a faith-based organizational context through a female lens. Through this exploration the responses given by Pastor Rose Sparks further demonstrate that leadership emerges through a combination of spiritual calling, lived experiences, and relational engagement. Her journey reflects key principles and highlights practical applications of servant, authentic, and relational leadership, while also highlighting how leadership is formed and shaped within organizational structures influenced by cultural and theological expectations. From a global leadership perspective, her experiences and her journey further demonstrate how women in leadership roles continue to navigate barriers that are not isolated to once specific context but can be reflected across diverse religious and cultural environments that are globally related. While this article provides meaningful insight into leadership identity development, is limited to a single narrative case, which may not fully represent the broader experiences of all women in faith-based leadership roles or positions. However, the exploration of this narrative journey offers a valuable understanding of how leadership is developed, experienced, practiced, and sustained within organizational and global contexts. This research helps to contributes to the field of global leadership by expanding the conversation beyond traditional organizational settings and cultures, highlighting leadership development as an ongoing values-driven, relational, and culturally influenced process shaped by one’s core ideology. Future research would allow for expansion upon this narrative by continue to explore the leadership lived experiences of women across additional faith-based organizations, denominations, and cultural context within a broaden global landscape. Conclusion: Embodied Faith and the Future of Women in Religious Leadership Discussion

While Pastor Rose’s individual journey is rooted in a specific American denominational context, the leadership barriers she faces are globally recognized. Women across

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